Xining Bicycle Tour

Undergoing 12 days cycling trip needs strong physical energy while you will have a great lifelong memory. Starting from the Xining and ending in Tanggula Mountain pass, you will experience the change of the climate and the different view all the way.

On the first day, cycle about 120 km from Xining to Xihai town, the first base of China's nuclear weapons. The journey is a bit hard and you will spend approximately 10 hours for the whole cycling on the road. You can have a short rest and lunch when you reach Huangyuan county. If time permits, pay a visit to Zhazang Temple en route.

On the second day, cycle from Xihai town to Gangcha with the distance of 130 km. The trip will be relaxed and enjoyable for you will be surrounded by the charming natural scenery. The eyeful view of the landscape of the Qinghai Lake, the blue sky and the flower sea - Gahai may make you feel peaceful and content.

The third day's cycling is from Gangcha to Tianjun about with the distance of 90 km. The road is bituminous macadam and thus quite easy and comfortable to cycle on it.

On the fourth day, cycle around 150 km from Tianjun to Delingha.

The fifth and sixth days' trip is from Delingha to Golmud along the flat highway. Since the journey is over 200 km, you can stay overnight at Xiaochaidan for the fifth day.

Today you will continue cycling through Xitieshan, Cha'erhan and at last reach Golmud.

On the seventh and eighth day, you can have a good rest in Golmud, recruit your replenishment and get well prepared for climbing the Qinghai - Tibet Plateau.

Today you are recommended to pay a visit to the Cha'erhan Salt Lake and Wanzhang Salt Bridge. The Cha'erhan Salt Lake is located in the middle south part of Chaidamu Basin with an altitude of 2670 meters, which is the largest natural salt lake in China, second in the world. The hypsography around the Cha'erhan Salt Lake is wide and flat with extraordinary scenery. If you are lucky enough you can even see the flyaway vision over the lake. The Wanzhang Salt Bridge is built over the lake and is part of the national highway No. 215.

On the ninth day, you will experience the real Qinghai - Tibetan road. Cycle 121 km from Golmud to Nachitai to Xidatan. It is almost gently uphill terrain all the way. When reaching Nachitai (83 km), you may go to the reputed Kunlun Castalia flowing sweet conduit all year round to supply your water storage. After lunch, continue cycling another 38 km to Xidatan and you will go across the highest bridge along Qingzang railway - the Sanchahe Bridge.

Tips: The climate on the Qinghai - Tibetan plateau is dramatic and the sudden heavy rain will come out unexpectedly. When the altitude increases, it may even snow. So you need to prepare warm clothes, shoes and rainproof. It will be very dangerous if you catch cold on the plateau. Take good care of yourself.

On the tenth day, you will gallop freely on the Kekexili prairie. To cycle a 140 km one day from Xidatan to Wudaoliang is really a hard work and you need to get up early. During the first 30km cycling to the valley of Kunlun you can fully enjoy the grassland scenery. Over the valley, cycle the easy downhill road to Budongquan. Have proper rest and then continue your cycling to Wudaoliang via Suonandajie along a hard road at one fling.

On the eleventh day, the most arduous task is to cycle about 70km over the Fengshuoshan Mountain pass with an altitude of 5010 meters. Then go downhill all the way to Erdaogou town. Recruit your energy there and have a short rest then go ahead about 63 km to the source of Yangtze River - New Tuotuohe Bridge before it gets dark.

Tips: You are advised to bring the lunch box or necessary food with you for lunch when you climb the Fenghuoshan Mountain pass. Have moderate rest and supplements. Do not exhaust yourself.

The twelfth day is a little relaxed with less uphill or downhill. Cycle 80km to Yanshiping and check in at a local hotel. Have a good rest after several days' hard cycling. Build your strength for the last day's journey to cycle over Tanggula Mountain - the dividing line between Qinghai and Tibet.

To continue cycling from Tanggula Mountain pass to Lhasa, please click here for detail.